The hype
Immaculately clean and professional, but the 'corporate' vibe can feel a bit sterile for a vacation.
Crowne Plaza Dar Es Salaam
$90-170/ night
Book this if You need a reliable, air-conditioned fortress with fast WiFi and a pool to decompress after navigating Dar's chaotic city center.
Why People Love It
- Soundproof walls that actually block out the street noise
- Rooftop pool that feels like a legitimate escape from the heat
- The #Cafe's breakfast buffet is widely considered one of the best in the city
Quick Take: A polished, predictable corporate sanctuary that lacks local soul but delivers the cold AC and hot showers you'll desperately crave.
Reviewed by @momi_m_s: I checked into the Crowne Plaza for a few days and it was exactly what I needed. The room was super modern with a killer view of the city, and I spent every afternoon by the pool. It feels like a proper escape from the busy streets outside.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The gym is free for basic use, but some wellness facilities (sauna/steam) or classes may trigger an unexpected 'membership' fee.
- You are in Dar for business and need reliable internet and a desk
- You value hygiene and 'western-standard' cleanliness above all else
- You want to be near the city center but not sleeping directly inside its traffic jams
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Staff are proactive about refreshing towels.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling. Showers have good pressure. Rare complaints about 'sour' smells in toiletries.
- Maintenance: Modern and well-kept (renovated 2022). AC is powerful and reliable.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and high quality. No threadbare towels here.
- Odors & scents: Mostly neutral/fresh, though humidity can sometimes bring out a faint mustiness in corridors.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Nearby construction projects (intermittent)
- Hallway chatter if near elevators
Before you book
Good to know
- City tax of $1.50 per person per night is payable at the hotel
- The pool is open 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM — no late-night dips
- Breakfast is not always included in the base rate; expect to pay ~$20 if adding it later
What to pack
- Universal travel adapter (Type G and D are common in TZ)
- Strong insect repellent (mosquitoes are inevitable in Dar, even in nice hotels)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Pool View rooms (quieter than City View)
- High floor rooms (6th floor and up) to minimize street hum
Rooms to avoid
- Low-floor City View rooms facing Magore Street (traffic noise)
- Rooms near the elevator bank (noise bleed)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (6th or above) facing the pool, away from the elevators, to ensure a quiet stay for business.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
No, it's an outdoor unheated pool, which is actually a blessing in Dar's year-round heat.
Is there a free airport shuttle?
No. The hotel charges $40 one-way. Use Uber or Bolt for a fraction of the price.
Can I bring guests to the room?
Strict policy: only registered guests are allowed in the rooms. Visitors must stay in the lobby or restaurant.
Is the gym actually free?
Yes, the fitness center is free for guests 24/7. Fees apply only for specific wellness treatments or external memberships.
How is the WiFi?
Excellent. Speeds of 50+ Mbps reported, making it reliable for video calls.
Is breakfast included?
Depends on your rate. If not, the buffet is around $20 USD and is highly rated.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Sundowner Pool Bar' has a happy hour that is popular with local expats.
- ✨
Walk to 'Central Park Cafe' nearby for a more relaxed, family-friendly meal if the hotel restaurant feels too stiff.
- ✨
Request a 'Pool View' room not just for the view, but because it faces away from the main road's honking.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Beach Bars' listed on some travel sites are NOT on-site; they are a drive away.
💡The check-out time is strictly enforced; don't expect a free late check-out without status.
💡You might smell a faint 'sour' scent in the hallways during high humidity days (common in Dar).
💡The 'Golf Course' nearby is the Gymkhana Club, which is private/members-only, not a hotel amenity.
💡Security is tight — expect vehicle checks and metal detectors at the entrance.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Crowne Plaza Dar Es Salaam is located and what's nearby.